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Monday, December 27, 2010

INON Inc. is pleased to announce its official release of an accessory to attach INON external strobe (S-2000, D-2000, Z-240 etc.) or LED flashlight (LE250, LE550-W, LE550-S, LE240) on a tripod which is equipped with a 1/4 tripod screw, on January 6th, 2011.

The [Tripod Adapter] is an adapter to attach INON external strobe (S-2000, D-2000, Z-240 etc.) or LED flashlight (LE250, LE550-W, LE550-S, LE240) via INON Arm II system adapter including [Multi Direct Base II], [Z Adapter] and [Shoe Base] on a tripod (*1) which is equipped with a 1/4 tripod screw to use "off-camera" lighting technique (*2). The "off-camera" lighting technique includes stable aiming of a strobe with a snoot, back lighting for silhouette effect or independent lighting each for a subject and background to enhance your creative lighting idea to make your underwater photo something special.

(*1)When using land use tripod underwater, check its material, surface finishing and construction to make sure that the tripod will not be damaged (rusting or salt build-up) by underwater use. INON Inc. cannot take any responsibility for any trouble/damage (damage to a tripod etc.) resulting from the installation of this product.

(*2)Be well conscious of marine environment and marine lives not to harm them when put a tripod on the seabed.

Dedicated super dome option to increase underwater view angle of compatible “UWL-H100”/"UWL-100” series wide conversion lens by simply attached it on the compatible wide conversion lens.Maximum angle of view underwater is from [131.6°] up to [150.8°] in combination with compatible wide conversion lens(*3).

Optical element is an optical glass with anti-reflection coating on inner surface.Together with the protector/lens hood which protects lens surface and blocks unnecessary light, the [Dome Lens Unit II] provides high-quality fish-eye image with less flare/ghost as same as previous model.

The protector/lens hood is molded resin with detachable structure to lighten total weight, enhance handy hood position adjustment and realize competitive pricing.

“Dome Lens Unit II” features

Dome Lens Unit IIfor UWL-H100

Dome Lens Unit IIfor UWL-100

Compatible wide conversion lens

UWL-H100 28LD

UWL-100 28AD (*2)

UWL-100 Achromat(Type2/1/no marking)

Weight *standalone[air]

470g/16.6oz

460g/16.2oz

Length/weight[underwater]

(with UWL-H100 28LD)

72.7mm/2.9"approx.505g/17.8oz

―

(with UWL-100 28AD *2)

―

70.9mm/2.8"approx.400g/14.1oz

(with UWL-100 Achromat)

―

85.8mm/3.4"approx. 533g/18.8oz

View angle underwater (*3)

(with UWL-H100 28LD)

Max. 144.8°

―

(with UWL-100 28AD *2)

―

Max. 150.8°

(with UWL-100 Achromat)

―

Max. 131.6°

[Specifications]

Outer diameter

φ132.4mm/5.2”

standalone length

48.2mm/1.9”

Depth rating

60m/197’

Material/finishing

Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy/Rigid black alumite, PC etc.

Glass material /surface finishing

Optical glass /Anti reflection coating (inner surface)

surface finishing

Anti reflection coating (inner surface)

(*1)The current model below will be discontinued and available from limited stock.

[Dome Lens Unit for UWL-100]--JAN code: 456212143 165 2

(*2)Optional [Dome Spacer for UWL-100 28AD] is required to use for [UWL-100 28AD].

(*3)Actual view angle varies depending on a camera/housing to use with.Underwater angle of view, focus range and vignetting is basically same as previous model [Dome Lens Unit for UWL-100].

INON provides "full-blown" set with [Grip Base D4] to support every underwater photographers to suit to various shooting style, skill, subject and condition to realize your creative intent with flexible system.

(*2)"S-TTL" Auto mode is not usable for shooting mode "M" or "Tv"/"Av" and the built-in flash mode is set to manual.

Why so many different Optical D Cable Sets

As same as other Optical D Cable Cap Sets, [Optical D Cable Type L / Cap W54 Set ] is exclusively designed for specific camera/housing including careful compatibility test to;

INON system is completely different from those versatile products and simple yet reliable to provide “high quality image”/“highly accurate S-TTL Auto” to support every level of underwater photographers.

The [28LD Mount Base DC38] enables you to install [UWL-H100 28LD] wide conversion lens to shoot wider area and its super wide option will be coming soon. AD Mount series [UCL-165AD] close-up lens (*4) or M67 Mount series [UCL-330] [UCL-165M67] close-up lens (*5) to shorten minimum shooting distance, is also usable(*4). 28LD Mount series close-up lens is now under development to go on sale in spring 2011.INON supports to shoot all different type of subject from [semi fish-eye] to [ultra macro] with simple and reliable system.

Optimize high quality lens performance for high quality macro/wide shot and (design attachment lens layout for best suited distance from camera’s master lens which is vary among different camera/housing models)

INON system is completely different from those versatile products and simple yet reliable to provide “high quality image”/“highly accurate S-TTL Auto” to support every level of underwater photographers.

The Lens Hood specifically designed for UWL-H100 28LD to shade unnecessary light from outside of view angle and reduce flare/ghost which could happen in backlit condition. The hood also protects lens surface. We recommend to attach the lens hood on UWL-H100 28LD always when shooting.

(*1)Using this product will have significant vignetting on image corners with/without a lens on land and underwater at zoom range from wide end to middle. Zoom to telephoto side to eliminate vignetting.

(*2)Using this product will have significant vignetting on image corners with/without a lens on land and underwater at zoom range from wide end to middle. Zoom to telephoto side to eliminate vignetting.

LD Lens Holder

The LD Lens Holder is attached to INON Arm/Float Arm to help you with speedy replacement of lens underwater. In combination with optional [AD-LD Mount Converter for UCL-165AD]/[M67-LD Mount Converter for UCL-330/165M67], AD/M67 Mount series close-up lens can be attached as well in addition to “28LD Mount” wide conversion lens [UWL-H100 28LD].

Compatible 28LD Mount products

UWL-H100 28LD Wide Conversion Lens

AD-LD Mount Converter for UCL-165AD

M67-LD Mount Converter for UCL-330/165M67

Compatible Arm

[LD Lens Holder S] or [LD Lens Holder W] on either side of an arm

D Holder Extension Bar + Grip Base D4

D Holder Extension Bar + D Holder

Grip Base DIII with Rubber Grip D

Grip Base DII with Rubber Grip D

[LD Lens Holder S] on either side or [LD Lens Holder W] on both side of an arm

Please stop by and check out our new and innovative products at DEMA SHOW 2010!Our representative for overseas business will be hanging around the DEMA SHOW 2010 for future business opportunity. Please feel free to drop an e-mail for business meeting appointment at info@inon.co.jp.

Compatible lens ports support five different lenses; [8mm/F3.5 Fisheye], [20mm/F1.7 Pancake], [45mm/F2.8 Macro], [14-45mm/F3.5–F5.6 Zoom] and [7–14mm/F4 Zoom]. All lens ports use optical lens with multi coating to take full advantage of optical performance of LUMIX/LEICA lenses.Lens ports for [45mm/F2.8 Macro], [14-45mm/F3.5–F5.6 Zoom] and [7–14mm/F4 Zoom]consist of two components; a universal base port and specific front port for each different lens model where only optional front port is required to use other lens model.Zooming operation and 45mm/F2.8 Macro lens focusing operation uses INON patented [MRS (Magnetic Rotary System) Port] using magnetic attraction to turn lens barrel with light torque as like controlling a lens on land.

A Base Port is compatible with three different lenses with interchangeable Front Port. This construction allows you to use the Base Port for different lens only buying optional Front Port, and helps to save luggage space when travelling.Focus operation of a macro lens and zoom operation of a zoom lens uses INON patented "MRS system (patented in Japan and U.S.)" rotating a lens barrel by magnetic attraction without any mechanical contact between a lens and lens port providing stress-free lens operation as like controlling a lens on land.

MRS Base Port（without MRS Control Ring）

A Base Port without MRS Control Ring for [Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.] lens to use auto focus only in combination with [Front Port Macro]. Upgradable to [MRS Base Port (with MRS Control Ring)] with optional [MRS Control Ring (60/60II/100UII/100UIII/ Olympus50)].

A Front Port to joint on the edge of the [MRS Base Port] for the[Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.] zoom lens. The protector shades unnecessary light which could cause flare/ghost to get clear image in addition to prevent accidental damage on the lens surface.Optional [Magnet Ring G7-14 Set] is necessary for zoom operation. Auto Focus (AF) only.

(*)When using [Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.] lens, first load a camera in a housing then attach the lens and lens portThe camera equipped with the lens can not be taken in and out from the housing.

MRS Magnet Ring DG45 Set

The set of [Magnet Ring] and [MRS Magnet Ring DG45 Adapter] to attach on the [Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm/F2.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.] lens for manual focus operation. The Magnet Ring is also usable for other MRS Magnet Ring Adapters to support other lenses only with optional MRS Magnet Ring Adapter.

MRS Magnet Ring G14-45 Set

The set of [Magnet Ring] and [MRS Magnet Ring G14-45 Adapter] to attach on the [Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.] zoom lens for zoom operation. The Magnet Ring is also usable for other MRS Magnet Ring Adapters to support other lenses only with optional MRS Magnet Ring Adapter

MRS Magnet Ring G7-14 Set

The set of [Magnet Ring] and [MRS Magnet Ring G7-14 Adapter] to attach on the [Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.] zoom lens for zoom operation. The Magnet Ring is also usable for other MRS Magnet Ring Adapters to support other lenses only with optional MRS Magnet Ring Adapter

A housing body is made from corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy providing comfortable controllability even in high water pressure in addition to reliability and durability as metal body.The front body panel is manufactured by ultra precision casting technique while rear body panel is machined from an aluminum block. The total body is designed to enhance advantages of both manufacturing procedure to balance「size」, 「underwater weight」and[strength].

Ergonomically Friendly Exterior Design

The body shape and design allows each right hand fingers come to neutral position to take a firm grip and thumb hook on the back panel assists to hold the housing firmly without effort.The[X-2 for GF1]requires different shooting style from conventional underwater housing for SLR camera which is equipped with a viewfinder, to see a high-definition LCD monitor thus location/angle of right thumb rest and shutter release lever is specifically designed to support comfortable operation.

Stress-free Control Layout

Almost every function of the LUMIX GF1 is operable from housing controls (**). You can access to Cursor buttons/Rear dial right away without changing right hand position. The built-in flash can be completely closed by a housing control lever.The back panel has large「LCD monitor window」not only to see the LCD monitor itself but also provides visual contact with camera’s control buttons to enhance intuitive operation underwater. This large transparent panel also helps to find out accidental flooding in its early stage.

(**)The [Drive mode lever]is not accessible. The[Rear dial]can be rotated from housing control but can not be pressed. However almost all settings by the [Rear dial] can be also managed by the[Q.MENU] button and [Cursor] buttons.

Ample Inner Space for Comfortable Camera Installation/Removal

A camera is precisely fixed in the housing at the tripod-screw and both shoulder strap eyelets.Since neither of front nor side of the camera contacts with the housing, water-pressure never cause any unexpected operation of the camera.You can put the camera in the housing even with an optional leather panel kit being attached.Spacious inner construction allows you to put fingers between the camera and the housing to pull out the camera easily by one hand, and further helps to gain buoyancy to have less underwater weight.

Fully Compatible with Time Proven “S-TTL” Auto Strobe System

Flooding-free four Optical D Connectors are equipped as standard feature to benefit simple yet reliable “S-TTL” Auto with maximum four external strobes supporting accurate exposure simply by pressing the shutter release button even for high power multi-lighting circumstances allowing you to focus on artistic intention or composition.

Wide Variety of Lens Port from Macro to Fisheye

Compatible lens ports support five different lenses; 「45mm/F2.8 Macro」, 「20mm/F1.7 Pancake」, 「14-45mm/F3.5–F5.6 Zoom」, 「7–14mm/F4 Zoom」and「8mm/F3.5 Fisheye」. All lens ports use optical lens with multi coating to take full advantage of optical performance of LUMIX/LEICA lenses.

INON INC. releases [Grip Base M1] on August 11th, 2010. The [Grip Base M1] is a strobe arm for midsize underwater housing for micro four thirds digital SLR camera including INON [X-2 for GF1] housing. For existing [D Holder] users, [D Base M1] is also available to purchase.

Grip Base M1

--Release date : August 11, 2010--JAN code ：456212143 605 3

D Base M1

--Release date : August 11, 2010--JAN code：456212143 606 0

Grip Base M1

D Base M1

--Product features--

A base arm specifically designed for midsize underwater housing for micro four thirds digital SLR. Firmly attached on a housing with two tripod screws. Wide variety of INON adapters/bases is compatible with this product and easy to set-up multiple lighting system with dual strobe configuration by attaching extra [D Holder]. The Base is equipped with legs to provide stable placement of combined housing.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Panasonic Corporation has just released new firmware (Ver 1.1) for 「DMC-FT2」and 「DMC-ZX3」 which includes improvement of external strobe matching with 『INON Strobe (S-2000/D-2000/Z-240)』 to enhance appropriate exposure control. For those who uses 「DMC-FT2」 or 「DMC-ZX3」with [「S-2000」/「D-2000」/「Z-240」] is strongly recommended to receive this firmware update.

Panasonic Corporation has just released new firmware (Ver 1.1) for 「DMC-TZ10」,「DMC-TZ9」and「DMC-TZ8」 which includes improvement of external strobe matching with 『INON Strobe (S-2000/D-2000/Z-240)』 to enhance appropriate exposure control. For those who uses 「DMC-TZ10」,「DMC-TZ9」or「DMC-TZ8」 with [「S-2000」/「D-2000」/「Z-240」] is strongly recommended to receive this firmware update.

The 「M67 Lens Adapter Base」 is a dedicated accessory to attach INON 『M67 Mount Series』 close-up lens「UCL-330」「UCL-165 M67」 on a marine case/water-proof protector which is not compatible with existing M67 Mount Base (*2)(*3)

The component Base Plate is designed based on base shape of compatible marine case/water-proof protector to fit securely on it without rattle. This product directly accepts dual functional product 「Grip Base D4」or 「Grip Base DIII」 as a grip and lighting arm enabling to add compatible strobe/LED flashlight together with various lighting arm product to support simple/compact and even friendly upgrade to multi lighting system.

The Lens Adapter Unit is mounted on the compatible marine case/water-proof protector at lens pot with pressure molding and supplied Supporting Screws to reliably hold compatible close-up lens. The Lens Adapter Unit can be separated with combined attachment lens by simply loosening the Supporting Screws.

(*1)Contact Fujifilm Corporation for detail of camera/marine case. INON Inc. confirms product compatibility based on a camera/housing available in Japan.

(*2)This product does not support a wide conversion lens due to camera master lens specification.

(*3)When using a close-up lens on this product underwater, significant vignetting will be observed at zoom wide end. Zoom towards to telephoto side little bit to avoid vignetting

The「Light Case LE」has two double Velcro straps to provide less limitation on selecting location yet support firm and stable attachment on a belt/hose etc. for stress-free flashlight handling.

[Velcro straps]Pre-installed two D-rings further utilizes usage of the case as you like such as temporarily connecting between supplied clip strap with a hand strap of the LE series LED flashlight etc.

[D-rings and supplied Clip Strap]

(※1)Not usable on land except function check for short period of time.